Aluminum Panel Mottling: Frustrating Finish Problem

Summary for aluminum panel mottling Discussion

Aluminum panel mottling after sanding, buffing, and waxing is the issue Rafi A. raised after taking a panel through a long progression of grits and non-woven pads with a random orbital sander. He said the surface felt very smooth and looked good overall, but larger pieces showed a strange inconsistency or mottled appearance, while smaller pieces could be finished perfectly. The excerpt provided does not include any replies, so there is no named expert advice to summarize or compare. Based on the question alone, the problem appears to be a finishing inconsistency that becomes more visible on larger aluminum panels, even after careful sanding through 60 to 320 grit and final pad and wax steps. The page title suggests the thread is about diagnosing that mottled look after sanding, buffing, and waxing.